The Chicago area is facing a variety of weather threats this week, including scorching heat, stifling humidity and severe storms.
A heat wave warning remains in effect and a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the entire area until 11 p.m.
Here’s what happened the rest of today:
Tuesday Afternoon
A heat advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday, with dew points expected to reach nearly 80 degrees and heat index levels exceeding 110 in some places, according to the National Weather Service.
As the scorching heat continues, the threat of severe weather also appears, with a severe thunderstorm watch in effect for McHenry and Lake counties until 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Forecast models show the main threat from the storm will be strong winds that could reach 60 mph and large hail that could be the size of a quarter.
Heavy rains could also cause localized flooding, especially in drought-hit areas.
The entire Chicago area is under a “slight risk” of severe weather, the second of five on the Storm Prediction Center’s scale.
Finally, air quality warnings remain in effect, with officials saying the air is “unhealthy for some people,” and elevated ozone levels have been reported across the region due to pollutants from air conditioners and vehicles.
Tuesday Night
Forecast models show more showers and thunderstorms are possible late at night and into Wednesday morning, but the main threat appears to be south of Interstate 80.
According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, the storms that formed could be severe, with strong winds and large hail.
Wednesday
A “marginal” risk of severe weather remains in Kankakee County and across northern Indiana, with scattered thunderstorms possible in other areas.
Temperatures will start to drop, with highs in the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit, but it will remain very muggy and heat indexes across the region will drop back into the 90s Fahrenheit.
Thursday
Further showers and storms are possible, but will be more sporadic in nature as temperatures continue to drop from the highs earlier in the week. Temperatures on Thursday are expected to be in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
Labor Day Weekend
Forecast models show there will be another round of scattered rain and storms on Friday, but temperatures will continue to drop gradually, dropping into the upper 80s Fahrenheit on Sunday and into the 70s Fahrenheit on Monday.
Additionally, dry weather will continue through the weekend, making for a comfortable holiday weekend for Chicago-area residents.
